Stories

The U.S. FDA's Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) has reduced smoking rates, focusing on youth and harm reduction. It regulates tobacco products through various pathways, contributing to decreased smoking. However, criticism surrounds its limited approval rate of alternatives through PMTA, resulting in accusations of fueling illicit markets. Stricter regulations like flavor bans have drawn debate as well, impacting adult smokers' access to safer options. Adapting policies to balance youth protection with harm reduction could enhance the CTP's impact, improving public health outcomes related to smoking.

A poll shows 18% of disposable vape users may return to smoking after the ban. Yorkshire Cancer Research urges the government to keep vapes accessible for smoking cessation, especially for disadvantaged communities. Evidence supports vaping for quitting, with vaping alone helping 79% quit, surpassing other methods. Public misconceptions about vaping's harm may hinder progress against smoking-related cancers. Despite the ban, many vapers plan to switch to refillables or other nicotine products. Yorkshire Cancer Research supports regulating vape product displays in stores to protect children but emphasizes the need for accurate public messaging on vaping's lower risks compared to smoking.

The U.S. nicotine market is undergoing a historic upheaval, with safer nicotine products poised to outsell cigarettes for the first time ever. But instead of celebration, there is only silence. No fanfare from regulators. No cheers from tobacco control. Just business as usual: bans, moral panic, and an ongoing war on vaping. Why? In this episode of RegWatch, Dr. Derek Yach pulls back the curtain on a decades-old PR playbook that reshaped global tobacco policy. Yach was instrumental in the development of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the first global treaty aimed at reducing tobacco-related disease and death.

Global health expert Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos advocates for governments to embrace safer nicotine products, emphasizing that combustion, not nicotine, causes smoking-related deaths. He highlights Sweden's success in reducing smoking rates through alternatives like snus and e-cigarettes. Dr. Farsalinos stresses the importance of flavors in aiding smoking cessation and warns against banning them. He urges policymakers to prioritize evidence-based regulations and support smokers in switching to safer options. Countries like New Zealand and the UK have seen significant reductions in smoking rates due to vaping. On World Vape Day, Dr. Farsalinos urges a shift towards science-based approaches to make nicotine consumption safer and save lives.

The Irish government and media are creating a hostile environment for vaping, prompting consideration of nicotine pouches as an alternative. Ireland's transformative relationship with the EU faced challenges during the financial crisis, revealing issues with the union's governance. Vaping policies align with broader EU/WHO initiatives against harm reduction, with restrictions harming public health efforts. The government's failure to support vaping led citizens to seek alternative solutions. Nicotine pouches could offer a harm reduction option, though government regulation poses a threat. Advocates urge Irish vapers to explore this alternative and prepare for potential regulatory battles. Misguided anti-vaping sentiments hinder public health progress, emphasizing the need for informed decision-making and advocacy.

Popular vape brands like Geek Bar may get more expensive in the U.S. - if you can find them at all. Shipments of vapes from China to the U.S. ground to a near halt in May from a year ago, official data shows, hit by U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and a crackdown on unauthorised e-cigarettes in the world's biggest market for smoking alternatives.

Utah lawmakers propose an 86.5% tax on e-cigarettes to deter youth use, but experts argue this might harm public health benefits and small businesses. E-cigarettes are considered safer than traditional cigarettes by various health groups. Imposing such a tax could lead to significant financial losses for Utah's vape shops and increase online sales. Data shows youth vaping isn't a widespread issue, and the e-cigarette industry actively supports preventing underage sales. Instead of heavy taxation, policymakers should focus on youth prevention efforts and allocate tax revenues to tobacco cessation programs, not the general fund.

The World Vapers’ Alliance (WVA) has announced the return of its Academy in 2025. Scheduled to take place on June 18th at 16:00 local time, ahead of the Global Forum on Nicotine in Warsaw, Poland, the initiative aims to bring together vaping advocates from around the world. Participants will have the opportunity to develop advocacy skills, connect with peers, and engage in discussions on tobacco harm reduction and related policy issues. More information is available on the WVA website.

A study conducted by researchers from various countries, including Sweden and the UK, found that switching to a new, gum-protective technology in nicotine pouches can reverse damage to the gums and oral lining. Twenty-three Swedish dentists switched to using these pouches for five weeks, resulting in a decrease in snus-related lesions by 52% and the elimination of gingivitis. The study highlights the potential for technological innovation to reduce the harm of nicotine products and assist smokers in quitting, promoting public health. Prof. Riccardo Polosa of CoEHAR emphasizes the importance of developing safer alternatives for tobacco harm reduction.

Smoking is a major health issue among young adult men in Ireland, with high prevalence rates leading to preventable diseases and mortality. Despite a decline, smoking remains more common among men, particularly aged 25-34. Men face barriers to quitting like perceived invulnerability and social influences. Smoking increases risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions, and reproductive issues. Pharmacological options like NRT, varenicline, bupropion, and cytisine are effective, with NRT available through the HSE. Behavioral interventions and support, such as counseling and digital tools, are crucial for cessation success. Combining pharmacological and behavioral support improves quitting rates. A comprehensive approach tailored to young men is essential for successful smoking cessation in Ireland.